ASTM A53 ERW Steel Pipe Specifications Grades and Uses

What Is ASTM A53 ERW Steel Pipe?

ASTM A53 (also known as ASME SA53 pipe) is a carbon steel alloy used as structural steel or low-pressure piping, and is also suitable for general use in steam, water, gas, and air piping. The alloy specifications are established by ASTM International in the ASTM A53 / A53M specification. A53 pipe is available in three types (F, E, S) and two grades (A, B).ASTM A53 ERW steel pipe refers to a carbon steel pipe that conforms to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A53 standard and is manufactured using the electric resistance welding (ERW) process. It is a type of steel pipe widely used in conveying media and pressure-bearing structures, such as piping systems for steam, water, gas and air, as well as in the construction and machinery industries.Unlike seamless pipe, ERW pipe uses a high-frequency welding process. This creates a strong longitudinal weld seam without filler metal. As a result, ASTM A53 ERW pipe is both economical and reliable for structural and low-pressure uses.

ASTM A53 ERW Steel Pipe Specifications and Grades (A & B)

Product Details
commodity	EN 10219 ASTM A500 Welded ERW Steel Pipe
outer diameter	ERW Steel Pipe	Straight seam welding/ Straight seam welding	Spiral saw/high speed saw	Right hand	SHS
	1/8 - 20"	12 - 56 in.	8 - 126 in.	40 x 20 mm	15 x 15 mm
	(10.3 - 508 mm)	(323.8 - 1,420 mm)	(219.1 - 3,200 mm)	- 1,000 x 800 mm	- 1,000 mm x1,000 mm
Wall thickness	0.4 - 16 mm	6.0 - 40 mm	6.0 - 26 mm	1.0 - 30 mm	0.6 - 30 mm
length	5.8 ~ 12.0 meters or as per customer's requirements
standard	GB/T 3091, GB/T 13793, ASTM A252, ASTM A53, ASTM A500, EN 10210, EN 10219, API 5L,
	DIN 1626/1615, DIN 17120, etc.
grade	SS400, Q235, Q345, Q460, A572 Gr.50, A572 Gr.60, S235, S275, S355, A/B grade, X42, X52,
	X60, X70, etc.
surface	High quality (bare, oiled, painted, 3LPE or other anti-corrosion treatment)
examine	With chemical composition and mechanical properties analysis;
	dimensional and appearance inspection, and non-destructive testing.
application	Structures, transmission tower projects, piling, water, oil and gas pipeline projects, machinery industry, municipal engineering, roads and their ancillary facilities, etc.
Package	Standard export, bulk/bundle/nylon bag seaworthy packaging;
	or as per customer's requirements.

ASTM A53 ERW Steel Pipe Grade B vs. Grade A

1. The carbon and manganese content of astm a53 grade a is relatively low, so the weldability and ductility of grade a steel pipe are very good, but the carbon and manganese content of grade b is higher, and the strength and hardness will be better. Please see the table below
Tensile strength: 415 MPa (60 kcal/square inch) and above VS 330 MPa (48 kcal/square inch) and above
Yield strength: 240 MPa (35 kcal/square inch) and above VS 205 MPa (30 kcal/square inch) and above
Elongation: 25% (2 inch scale) VS 30% (2 inch scale
2. Application: Grade A: Mainly used under low pressure and low temperature conditions, such as water pipelines, drainage pipelines, building structures, etc.
Grade B: Suitable for applications under medium pressure and temperature conditions, such as the transportation of oil, natural gas, steam, and water.

Grades of ASTM A53 ERW Pipe

ASTM A53 steel pipe is available in Grade A and Grade B. Both grades offer distinct chemical and mechanical properties, as outlined below:

Property	Grade A	Grade B
Tensile Strength	≥ 330 MPa (48,000 psi)	≥ 415 MPa (60,000 psi)
Yield Strength	≥ 205 MPa (30,000 psi)	≥ 240 MPa (35,000 psi)
Elongation	≥ 25%	≥ 22%

ERW vs Seamless Pipe

While both types meet ASTM A53, ERW pipe is made by welding steel coil edges together, whereas seamless pipe is produced through extrusion. ERW pipe is more cost-effective and suitable for most non-critical pressure applications. However, for high-pressure systems, seamless pipe may be preferred.

Feature	ERW Pipe	Seamless Pipe
Manufacturing	Welded	No weld
Cost	Lower	Higher
Strength	Good for general use	Better for high-pressure
Applications	Structural, low pressure	High pressure, critical use

Applications of ASTM A53 ERW Steel Pipe

This pipe type serves many industries due to its strength, durability, and affordability. Common applications include:
Water and gas pipelines
Fire protection systems
Mechanical and structural uses
Scaffolding and construction frames
Oil and gas transport (non-critical lines)
Thanks to its versatility, ASTM A53 ERW pipe remains a top choice for builders and engineers worldwide.